| In the fury of a high school game, there are going to be times when a player receives a game misconduct, gross misconduct, or match penalty. That usually raises a variety of questions - such as: "Can I still practice with my team?"; "Can I still practice and play for my travel team?"; "I want to appeal the penalty. What are my rights?"; "Can I demand a hearing?" These questions, for the most part, are answered in the rule book. The rule book is quite specific regarding suspensions for each of these penalties, but keep in mind that local associations and teams may have added additional suspension provisions under Rule 410. A discussion of suspension requirements relating to game misconduct penalties, gross misconduct penalties, and match penalties is provided in the following paragraphs.
Game Misconduct Penalty: Under Rule 404(c), "A Game Misconduct penalty involves the suspension of a player or Team Official for the balance of the game, but another player is permitted to immediately replace a player removed." Under Rule 404(d), "A player or Team Official incurring a game misconduct penalty shall be suspended for the next one game of that team, except that when such penalty is imposed under Rule 613(d) (Third Man In) there shall be no additional game suspension, and under Rule 403(b) (Second Major in a Game) there shall be a two-game suspension." Bottom line is that a game misconduct, under USA Hockey rules, does not affect practices and does not affect playing in games for other teams the player may be rostered on during the season. Remember, however, that local rules may affect both practices and games played with other teams. Gross Misconduct Penalty: Under Rule 404(e), "A Gross Misconduct penalty involves the suspension of a player or Team Official for the balance of the game, but another player is permitted to immediately replace a player so removed." Under Rule 404(f), "A player or Team Official incurring a gross misconduct penalty shall be suspended from participating in any USA Hockey games and practices until the case has been dealt with by the proper authorities. A mandatory hearing by the Proper Authorities shall be held and a decision made relative to any further disciplinary action within 30 days of the incident. If extenuating circumstances prevent the proper authorities from conducting the mandatory hearing, the suspension shall be automatically terminated after 30 days." Bottom line is that a gross misconduct penalty, under USA Hockey Rules, prohibits a player from participating in practices and games of any USA Hockey sanctioned teams on which the player may be rostered until the case has been dealt with by the proper authorities. If the proper authorities fail to act, the suspension is terminated after 30 days following the imposition of the penalty. Match Penalty: Under Rule 405(a), "A Match penalty involves the suspension of a player for the balance of the game, and the offender shall be ordered to the dressing room immediately." Under Rule 405(c), "A player incurring a match penalty shall be suspended from participating in any USA Hockey games and practices until his case has been dealt with by the proper authorities. A mandatory hearing by the proper authorities shall be held and a decision made relative to any further disciplinary action within 30 days of the incident. If extenuating circumstances prevent the proper authorities from conducting the mandatory hearing, the suspension shall be automatically terminated after 30 days." Bottom line is that a match penalty, under USA Hockey Rules, prohibits a player from participating in practices and games of any USA Hockey sanctioned teams on which the player may be rostered until the case has been dealt with by the proper authorities. If the proper authorities fail to act, the suspension is terminated after 30 days following the imposition of the penalty. |
